WILLEMSTAD - On October 24th, 2024, the Consular Corps of Curaçao, in collaboration with Toastmasters and Uniting for Children, marked United Nations Day by hosting its annual UN Day Speech Contest. This event, commemorating the ratification of the UN Charter, brings young voices to the forefront, offering an exciting platform for youth to express their ideas on important societal issues.
The contest features a grand prize of 1,000 guilders for the winner, 500 guilders for second place, and 200 guilders for third place. Additionally, all finalists will receive valuable coaching from Toastmasters and the opportunity to present their essays before His Excellency, the Governor of Curaçao, alongside consuls and dignitaries from across the island.
Participants, all school-age children, were tasked with writing a 500-word essay in English on one of three topics: envisioning Curaçao's future, identifying key industries for Curaçao’s development, or reflecting on the role of tradition in modern society. These themes were selected to encourage students to apply global perspectives to local issues, promoting the idea that international awareness can guide Curaçao’s path forward.
The primary aim of the contest is to inspire young minds to think critically about Curaçao’s future, blending local solutions with global thinking. Organizers hope to nurture a spirit of leadership among the participants, equipping them with the tools to approach challenges with vision, foresight, and innovation.
This year's contest takes place from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM and promises to be an inspiring celebration of both local and global awareness.